Connecticut tribes and the Connecticut Lottery Corp. (CLC) take one step closer to implementing sports wagering and online gaming. Under a new law in the Nutmeg State following the approved revision of the Connecticut gaming compacts. With that, the licensing process is set to continue. Possibly legalizing sports wagering and online gaming as early as October 2021.
Revision of the Connecticut Gaming Compacts
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler, Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman James Gessner Jr., and Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Thursday, September 9, that they had received approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior for their proposed revision of the Connecticut gaming compacts.
The approved revision of the gaming compacts in Connecticut – submitted to the federal agency earlier this summer. Marks a historic moment for sports wagering and online gaming in the Nutmeg state. The approval sees the LCL and the tribes take a massive leap towards implementing state sports wagering and online gaming.
Recent events go hand-in-hand with last month’s Connecticut General Assembly’s Regulation Review Committee’s approval of regulations for sports wagering and online gaming, proposed by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
With it, the department will be able to continue licensing the process. Signifying that sports wagering and online gaming could become available in Connecticut as early as October.
“This critical step in the process of modernizing our gaming landscape here in Connecticut ensures that our state will have a competitive, nation-leading marketplace for wagering. both in-person and online,” said the 89th Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont.
“I thank the Bureau of Indian Affairs for approving these revisions. as well as the efforts of our partners with the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe.
“Today’s announcement puts Connecticut on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience. that will be competitive with our neighboring states and positions us for success into the future.”
A Process Started In May
Lamont began the process of legalizing sports wagering and online gaming on May 27. When he signed sports betting into law. Allowing Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, Mohegan Tribe, and the Connecticut Lottery to offer online gaming and sports wagering. With it, he expanded Connecticut’s gambling offer and started the domino effect. This could see online gaming and sports wagering enter Connecticut next month.
“Today’s approval from the federal Department of the Interior is historic. and begins an exciting new chapter for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation,” said Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation chairman, Rodney Butler.
He further stated that the expansion allows the Pequot tribe to enhance investments to support the tribe. Contribute additional revenue to the state of Connecticut, and provide a “new level of entertainment” for their guests.
“We thank Governor Lamont and our partners in state government for their support through this process. We will continue to work with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. to make sports betting and iGaming available as soon as we are legally allowed to do so in Connecticut. This is a day to celebrate.”
Rush Street Becomes State’s Third (and Final) Sports Betting Platform
As revealed in August, the Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive, Inc. would become Connecticut’s third and final sports betting platform. Joining DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook as one of the three sports wagering operators in the Nutmeg State.
RushStreet signed a 10-year agreement for Connecticut sports betting. Which includes $170 million in guaranteed minimum revenue share for the CLC from retail and online sports betting. Rush Street would also team up with Connecticut-based Sportech PCL. To offer sports betting at 10 of 15 retail locations statewide.
“Rush Street Interactive is a respected sports betting and gaming company. that has established itself as a leading innovator in the industry,” said chairman of the lottery’s board of directors, Rob Simmelkjaer.
“We are impressed not only with RSI’s successes in other jurisdictions. particularly in neighboring New York and New Jersey. but also its commitment to responsible gambling practices.”
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October Is The Goal
Sports betting in Connecticut could launch in the fall, which is an ambitious timeline. Albeit supported by lawmakers and the recent events. That said, going live by the end of 2022 might be a more realistic expectation.
While the wheels are spinning at full speed, Connecticut lawmakers still have a lot of work on their hands. To put the idea into reality since the state sports betting rules have yet to be finalized. However, with the U.S.
Department of the Interior approving the tribal gaming compacts. Cincinnati already passed the biggest hurdle preventing it from becoming one of 23 states where sports betting is legal.
Whilst the sports betting date launch remains a mystery, we do know the locations of retail sportsbooks of DraftKings and FanDuel.
As revealed, the DraftKings sportsbook will be located in the middle of all the action. Between Grand Pequot and the Great Cedar casinos. The two-story space will feature teller windows, kiosks, floor-to-ceiling video walls, and seating areas.
Other News
On the other side, FanDuel’s sportsbook is said to be the biggest in the U.S. According to a company spokesman; however, it likely won’t open until this winter. Meanwhile, the FanDuel plans for a temporary book with 41 kiosks. As well as four betting windows to operate in Mohegan Sun’s sports bar.
FanDuel representatives explained that the goal for their new sportsbook is to incorporate all key elements. That reflect the Mohegan vibe while creating a cutting-edge book, similar to one already found in Arizona.
Rush Street and Connecticut Lottery have yet to decide how their digital platform will be called. As noted by Mr. Simmelkjaer, their platform may launch under one brand and switch to another at a later date.
The current expectations are for it to launch under Rush Street’s SugarHouse banner and switch to another brand. That would include and combine both the RSI and the lottery. For now, however, the lottery’s main interest is to put out a digital platform as quickly and efficiently as possible.
